I worked in finance for 12 years in the public sector, always doing whatever I could to help people, whether they be colleagues or clients. Just over a year ago I suffered a mental health breakdown due to work stress.

I was off sick for nine months. I had several meetings with my employer who offered no sympathy, no apology, admitted no responsibility and made no effort whatsoever to help me get back to work. Then they sacked for being ill.

After 12 years off working as hard as anybody I know, I am now 38.years old, unemployed and living on benefits.

All I want in life is the chance to work my way out of poverty, but with bills and life in general being so costly, I can't see any way to improve my situation.

Which is why I have turned to crowd funding.

My dream is to start a business providing gardening services in Stafford. I love gardening so much, it's the one thing which has helped me to get better. However I don't have the equipment that I need to begin my new life.

I know that I should expect to receive handouts when other people all over the world are suffering so much more than me, but if I can raise the funds that I need I will endeavor to try and make a real difference in my local community. I am passionate about creating a scheme which gives people with metal health issues and learning disabilities access to gardening and horticultural education.

I have personally experienced the benefit that this can have and I want to do all I can to help as many people as I can.

If anybody out there can find it in their heart to help me reach my dream, I will make it my life's mission to help as many others reach theirs as I possibly can.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Mike.